Police

Items stolen

A large quantity of tools and other items were stolen from a barn earlier last week in Constantine Township. Investigators with the Michigan State Police said the theft occurred either Sept. 13 or 14 in the 14000 block of Drummond Road. Hand tools, a lawn tractor, a chainsaw and a leaf blower were among the items taken. A department media …

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Man charged in wife’s death

Authorities say a 58-year-old man is charged in the death of his 56-year-old ex-wife, whose body was found inside her southwestern Michigan apartment. Kalamazoo County’s Chief Assistant Prosecutor Carrie Klein says the open murder charge was authorized Saturday against Clinton Edward Smith. He was jailed and scheduled for arraignment by video on Monday afternoon. The prosecutor’s office said Monday morning …

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Two arrested for meth

Two people were arrested Friday at a Colon Township residence after police discovered the production of methamphetamine. The St. Joseph County Area Narcotics unit responded to a residence in the 28000 block of Bonham Road in response to a tip regarding suspected drug activity. SCAN unit members found an active, one-pot meth lab and a second inactive lab inside the …

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Charges filed

Charges have been filed against a 19-year-old man and his pregnant wife in connection with the shooting death of a Michigan State Police trooper. Eric Knysz is charged with murdering a peace officer, felony firearm, concealed weapons violation, unlawfully driving away an auto, and being a habitual offender. His 21-year-old wife Sarah, who is six-months pregnant, is charged with being …

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New K-9 officer

A new member of the Three Rivers Police Department’s K-9 unit will be on the job before the end of the year. Following approval last week by Mayor Tom Lowry and commissioners, Jake will replace K-9 officer Bedo. Bedo has been on the job 16 years and is retiring, according to his handler, officer Tom Hicks. Jake is a 14-month-old …

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Trooper dies following shooting

Police officers and other first responders are in mourning following Monday’s shooting death of a Michigan State Police Trooper in Ludington. The Michigan State Police say Paul Butterfield died late Monday night during emergency surgery, after he was shot during a traffic stop. A man and woman exchanged gunfire with Butterfield during the stop. The pair fled but were captured …

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Fatal motorcycle crash

A Cassopolis man died as a result of a motorcycle crash Monday evening at 8pm. The victim was identified as 50-year-old Ronald Turnbow. He lost control of his cycle on Chain Lake Street and crashed. Turnbow was not wearing a helmet.

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Injury in motorcycle crash

A Vandalia man was injured in a motorcycle crash Monday evening on Daily Road. 19-year-old Connor Wright lost control of his cycle. He was taken to Lakeland Niles Hospital for treatment. He was wearing a helmet.

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Retirement results in promotions

The August retirement of David Northrop as director of the Sturgis Department of Public Safety has resulted in a number of promotions, announced Thursday by the department. Geoff Smith was promoted from detective sergeant to chief; Ryan Banaszak from sergeant to detective sergeant; Damon Knapp from shift sergeant to school resource officer; Jeremy Marsh from sergeant to nighttime shift sergeant; …

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Two taken into custody for meth

Two men, ages 23 and 17, were taken into custody by Sturgis police following a foot pursuit near Franks Park late Tuesday. According to the Sturgis Police Department, the two were seen walking in the park shortly before midnight. Police suspected the two were involved in a methamphetamine lab earlier in the day. As officers attempted to stop them, the …

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